Know Zone Podcast

In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Caroline Massey, Associate Social Media Manager at Classic Vacations®, takes listeners to Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort in the Dominican Republic for E3: Elite. Education. Experience. HOST.

Recorded throughout the event, the episode offers a closer look at what makes E3 HOST such a meaningful experience, bringing together travel advisors and hotel partners for immersive learning, connection, and firsthand product discovery.

Hear firsthand from:

• Melani Aquino, Director of Sales, Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort

• Alicia W., travel advisor

• Gina Johnson, Senior Manager Weddings and Celebrations – All-Inclusive, Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts 

• Dahiana Villalona, Sales Manager, Secrets and Dreams Playa Esmerelda 

• Margo C., travel advisor

Tune in for perspectives from both advisors and partners, along with destination insight from the Dominican Republic and a behind-the-scenes look at the E3 HOST experience.

In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Caroline Massey, Associate Social Media Manager at Classic Vacations®, takes listeners inside E3: Elite. Education. Experience. 2025, hosted at W Punta Cana, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort and the first of its kind in the W brand’s portfolio.

Through a series of conversations recorded throughout the event, the episode captures the moments, insights, and connections that define E3, while offering a closer look at the Dominican Republic as a destination on the rise. 

Hear firsthand from: 

• Armando Montalvo, Luxury Leisure Sales Manager at W Punta Cana

• Marilyn Cairo, VP of Sales, Groups at Classic Vacations

• Lindsey Heinzel, Global Account Executive at Marriott International

• Jess H., travel advisor 

• Enrique Penson, Administrative Director at Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic

• Courtney C., travel advisor 

• Kevin Matier, Global Sales Manager – Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection Specialist

Tune in for an inside look at E3, destination insight from the Dominican Republic, and perspectives from industry leaders and advisors shaping the future of travel. Travel advisors interested in attending a future Classic event are encouraged to connect with their Classic Sales Representative for more information.

In this special in-destination episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Reagan Vasquez, Strategic Account Manager at Classic Vacations®, takes listeners along on a familiarization journey through Hawaii’s Big Island and Oahu. 

From uncovering hidden gems and must-try local dishes to exploring what sets each resort apart, this episode offers firsthand insights into two of Hawaii’s most sought-after islands. Through conversations with top hotel partners, Reagan highlights the unique experiences, service touches, and standout features that help travel advisors confidently match the right property to the right client. 

Hear from: 

• Nabil Malhas, Leisure Sales Specialist at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai 

• Travis Ma, Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach 

• Keenan Rothenborg, Sales Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach 

• Gabriela Del Campo, Travel Industry Sales Coordinator at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina 

• Kelly Strickland, Regional Director of Leisure Sales at Hilton Waikoloa Village 

• Marissa Froio, Senior Transient Sales Executive at The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa 

• Nelson Arlos, Associate Director of Sales at Halekulani 

• Karin Jones, Account Director, Leisure Sales at Marriott International – The Waikiki Collection 

• Lori Ono, Director of National Accounts at The Kahala Hotel & Resort 

• Chris Schooss, Area Leisure Sales Manager at Prince Resorts Hawaii

Tune in for insider perspectives, resort highlights, and destination insights designed to elevate the Hawaii travel experience. 

In this special in-destination episode of the Know Zone podcast, Jess Pavloff takes listeners along on a Classic Vacations® familiarization journey through Japan. Through conversations with Classic’s Japan destination expert, a hotel partner, and a travel advisor who experienced the FAM firsthand, the episode offers an on-the-ground look at one of travel’s most in-demand destinations.

Named by travel advisors as one of the most anticipated destinations in Classic’s 2026 Luxury Travel Trends Report, Japan continues to top bucket lists worldwide. This episode explores what is driving demand and how advisors can confidently position Japan for their clients.

Hear firsthand from:

• Yvette Broussard, Director, New Product Development, Classic Vacations

• Beatrice Wong Su-Yin, Sales Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

• Stacy E., Travel Advisor and FAM participant

For travel advisors registered with Classic Vacations, additional learning is available through a live webinar or the on-demand recording of this Japan familiarization trip in the Know Zone within Classic Assist.

In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone podcast, Caroline Massey, Social Media Specialist at Classic Vacations®, takes listeners behind the scenes of the Marketing team’s annual in-person meeting at Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos.

From destination insight shared by the resort’s General Manager to forward-looking conversations around travel trends, branding, and advisor-facing resources, the episode offers a well-rounded look at what is shaping travel marketing today.

Hear from:  

• Arturo Esponda, General Manager, Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos

• Quinn Embry, Senior Marketing Manager, Classic Vacations

• Jill Martin, Graphic Designer & Creative Lead, Classic Vacations

• Macey Cruz, Account Manager, Product Marketing, Classic Vacations

• Gabrielle Obligacion, Account Manager, Product Marketing, Classic Vacations

This episode delivers actionable marketing takeaways, destination perspective, and expert insight designed to support how travel professionals sell and promote travel.

In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, the Classic Vacations® Sales team invites listeners inside their team meeting at Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences in Saint Lucia. 

From behind-the-scenes insight into the Windjammer Landing resort experience to a closer look at what makes Saint Lucia such a compelling destination, the conversation explores the island’s appeal, the value of strong hotel partnerships, and how Classic supports travel advisors through expertise and strategic collaboration.

Hear firsthand from: 

• Arlien Dyer, Director of Sales and Marketing, Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences 

• Jess Pavloff, Strategic Account Manager, Classic Vacations 

• Julia Jakkaraju, Director of National Accounts, Classic Vacations

• Francisco Rello, Strategic Account Manager, Groups, Classic Vacations 

• Marie Smith, Strategic Account Manager of Key Accounts, Classic Vacations

• Christian Licea, Business Development Manager, Classic Vacations 

Tune in for an on-the-ground perspective from the Sales team, along with valuable destination and resort insights that bring the island to life.

In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Caroline Massey, Social Media Specialist at Classic Vacations®, brings listeners to Las Vegas for Classic’s annual Reservations Training Event. Amid the energy of learning and connection, Caroline sits down with hotel partners from around the world to discuss what makes their properties truly exceptional.

Hear from: 

• Andrew Pike, Managing Director, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

• Ray Benevides, Fairmont Resorts Hawaii

• Juan Vela, Chief Executive Officer, Velas Resorts

• Garry Perotin, Complex Director of Leisure Sales, Conrad Punta de Mita & Hilton Los Cabos

From personalized service to signature experiences that leave a lasting impression, this episode is packed with insights designed to expand travel advisors’ expertise and elevate how they present these standout luxury properties to their clients.

In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Jess Pavloff, Strategic Account Manager at Classic Vacations®, takes listeners to the breathtaking islands of the Maldives during a recent familiarization trip. From overwater bungalows to crystal-clear lagoons, Jess explores what makes this destination truly extraordinary.

Joined by travel advisors and hotel partners, the conversation highlights the trip’s unforgettable moments, along with surprising insights and hidden gems travelers may not know about the Maldives.

Hear firsthand from:

• Haseef Ahmed, Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives

• Joanna Johnsen, Fora Travel

• Daly Donnellan, Departure Lounge Travel

Get an insider’s perspective on one of the world’s most sought-after bucket-list destinations and gain valuable takeaways straight from the heart of the Maldives.

In this episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Julia Jakkaraju, Luxury Sales Director at Classic Vacations®, gives an insider’s look at Saint Lucia’s most captivating resorts. Discover what makes each property unique, Julia's heartfelt connections with the people of Saint Lucia, and why this island stays with you long after you leave.

Get insider insights on:

• Windjammer Landing
• Cap Maison Resort & Spa
• Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain

Whether you're a travel advisor eager to deepen your expertise or dreaming of a Caribbean escape, this conversation is packed with insider tips and island inspiration you won’t want to miss.

In this on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Vicky Chalkiadaki, Senior Product Development Manager for Europe, and Gabrielle Obligacion, Account Manager, Product Marketing, take listeners on a journey through Greece as they visit some of Classic Vacations®’ hotel partners.

From the iconic islands of Mykonos and Santorini to the historic heart of Athens, Vicky and Gabrielle sit down with top hospitality leaders to uncover what truly sets these properties apart.

Hear firsthand from:

• Anastasios Naoum, Commercial Director at Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts

• Rose Vernikou, Director of Sales at Domes Resorts 

• Stavrini Filippou, Assistant Director of Sales at Electra Hotels

• Kalia Konstantinidou, Owner of Empiria Group

Whether planning a Greek itinerary or seeking to deepen product knowledge across Europe, this episode offers insider tips straight from the source.